Introduction
Tired of searching for the best health insurance for self employed professionals through confusing marketplace plans?
As a self-employed professional, you can get full private health insurance from top providers like Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Plus, you avoid the hassle of the marketplace.
A licensed health insurance broker offers personalized help and private plans for self employed people, delivering better networks, more choices, and year-round enrollment.
In this guide, you’ll discover private plan options, compare carriers, cost guidance, and explore tax benefits. If you’re a freelancer, 1099 contractor, or small business owner, this guide helps you choose the right health insurance plan.
Why Choose Private Health Insurance Over Marketplace Plans?
Private health insurance offers several advantages over marketplace options. Here’s what makes private plans different.
Year-Round Enrollment Flexibility
You do not have to wait for open enrollment with private plans. You can apply for coverage at any time during the year.
Need insurance right away? You can start coverage in as little as 24 hours, compared to the weeks or even longer it can take with marketplace plans. This matters when you’ve left a job with benefits or your family situation has changed.
Personalized Broker Support
Licensed brokers guide you through the entire process at no extra cost. They help you:
- Pick the right plan for your needs and budget.
- Understand what is covered and what is not.
- Handle claims when problems arise.
- Get ongoing support year after year.
Insurance carriers pay broker commissions, so you receive expert assistance without incurring additional fees.
For example, if you are self employed and need help selecting a plan that covers your preferred doctors, a licensed broker can review options from multiple carriers and recommend the best match for your needs, at no direct cost to you.
Find brokers with A+ Better Business Bureau ratings and hundreds of verified reviews to show strong, consistent service.
Wider Network Option
Many marketplace plans only offer HMO networks with limited choices. Private plans often give you PPO flexibility:
- Nationwide PPO network access
- See out-of-network doctors and still get some coverage.
- No referrals are needed to see specialists.
- More freedom to pick your own healthcare providers
This is useful if you have preferred doctors or need specialized care.
Customizable Coverage
You can adjust your deductibles, copays, and coverage to fit your needs. Add dental or vision if you want.
Many private plans offer accident coverage and extras. These protect you and your business.
Understanding Your Private Health Insurance Options
You have several types of coverage to choose from as a self employed professional.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of health insurance options for self-employed professionals in Texas, see our dedicated options guide.
Private Individual Health Plans
These are full major medical plans. They cover everything, from doctors’ visits to hospital stays.
Many private plans from brokers are often ACA-compliant. They meet the same standards as marketplace plans.
The difference?
You get broker support, more carrier choices, and year-round enrollment. Choose these plans when you want full coverage for serious health problems.
Short-Term Health Insurance
Short-term plans bridge gaps between plans and help you get coverage from the next day. They cost less and are ideal for healthy people needing basic protection for a short time.
Keep in mind, these plans have limits. They may not cover pre-existing conditions or preventive care like full plans do. But they offer affordable health insurance for self employed workers between jobs.
Health Sharing Ministries (Alternative)
Health sharing ministries are not insurance. You share healthcare costs with others who have similar beliefs.
These programs cost less than traditional insurance. Make sure you understand how they work differently before you join.
Professional Association Plans
Some industries offer group health insurance for self employed members through professional associations. These plans can give you better rates because you’re part of a larger group.
If your industry has an association, check if they offer health coverage. You might get employer-level benefits even though you work for yourself.
Top 5 Carriers for Self Employed Health Insurance
Here are five leading carriers offering the best health insurance plans for self employed professionals in Texas.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas – Best for Texas Residents
Blue Cross Blue Shield for self employed professionals has the largest provider network in the state. Most doctors and hospitals accept BCBS.
Choose a PPO for flexibility, or an HMO to save money. Local claims processing means you work with people who know Texas healthcare.
If you’re looking for the best health insurance for the self employed in Texas, BCBS is often the top choice.
UnitedHealthcare – Best Nationwide Network
United Healthcare for self employed professionals has over a million providers across the country. Perfect if you travel for work or have businesses in different states.
Their telehealth and digital tools let you see doctors online, check coverage, and manage everything from your phone.
They also offer HSA-compatible plans that help you save on taxes.
Cigna – Best PPO Flexibility
Cigna’s Open Access Plus network gives you true PPO freedom. You don’t need referrals to see specialists, saving time and hassle.
They have strong drug networks and global coverage if you travel internationally. Great for health insurance plans that self employed people need with the most flexibility.
Aetna – Best for Preventive Care Focus
Aetna focuses on keeping you healthy with wellness programs and preventive care benefits.
Low-cost preventive care lowers check-up and screening costs. CVS pharmacies provide easy prescription savings. Aetna plans support HSA and FSA use.
Humana – Best Value Plans
Humana offers competitive premiums for similar coverage compared to other carriers. A good choice if you want the cheapest health insurance for self employed people without overspending.
They include strong virtual care options in most plans. Their prescription drug savings programs help lower your costs even more.
Carrier Comparison
Provider | Network Type | Best For | Nationwide Coverage |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield TX | PPO/HMO | Texas residents | Limited |
| UnitedHealthcare | PPO | Frequent travelers | Yes |
| Cigna | PPO | Maximum flexibility | Yes |
| Aetna | PPO | Preventive care | Yes |
| Humana | PPO/HMO | Value seekers | Yes |
Note: Actual costs vary by age, location, and coverage level. Contact a broker for personalized quotes.
How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost for the Self Employed?
Private health insurance costs vary widely based on several factors.
Average Monthly Premiums by Coverage Level
Your costs depend on how much coverage you want:
High-deductible HSA plans: Lower monthly costs, but you pay more when using healthcare. Good for healthy people who want tax savings through an HSA.
Mid-range PPO plans: Balance monthly costs with out-of-pocket expenses. Most popular choice because it offers good value.
Low-deductible comprehensive plans: Higher monthly costs, but less when you use healthcare. Best if you visit doctors frequently or take expensive medications.
How much is health insurance if you’re self employed? It depends on your situation. A healthy 30-year-old pays much less than a 55-year-old with health conditions.
Is $500 a month for health insurance normal? For some people, yes, for others no. Age, location, and coverage level all affect your self employed health insurance cost.
Factors That Affect Your Premium
Age: Insurance costs increase as you get older.
Location: Rates vary by Texas county.
Tobacco use: Tobacco users pay higher premiums.
Coverage level: More coverage costs more. Lower deductibles mean higher monthly payments.
Family size: Adding a spouse or kids increases costs. Family health insurance for self-employed workers costs more than individual coverage.
How to Find Affordable Coverage
You have several ways to save on health insurance:
High-deductible HSA strategies: Pick a high-deductible plan and open an HSA. You save through lower premiums AND tax deductions on HSA contributions.
Short-term with supplemental coverage: Use short-term plans for basic coverage and add accident insurance for extra protection. This can cost less than full plans.
Association plans: Join professional associations offering group health insurance. You might get better rates through group buying power.
How to afford health insurance when self-employed? Compare all your options. Don’t just look at monthly premiums, check total costs including deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Best Health Insurance for Self Employed Families
Family plans protect everyone under one policy.
Look for plans with good pediatric coverage if you have kids. Check if maternity coverage is included if you’re planning to have children. Make sure your family’s doctors are in the network.
Compare how each carrier prices family coverage, not just individual plans. Some carriers offer better family rates than others.
Tax Benefits: Health Insurance Deductions for Self-Employed
Health insurance premiums are tax-deductible for self-employed individuals. This significantly lowers your effective insurance costs.
Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction Explained
Is health insurance 100% deductible for the self-employed? Yes! You can deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums if you qualify. This includes coverage for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.
This deduction lowers your adjusted gross income, meaning you pay less in taxes overall. It’s one of the best tax breaks available to self-employed people.
You can take this deduction even if you don’t itemize other deductions. That makes it easy to claim and very valuable.
How to Claim the Deduction
You claim the self-employed health insurance deduction on Form 1040 Schedule 1.
S-Corp vs sole proprietor: How you claim changes based on your business structure. Sole proprietors claim it directly. S-Corp owners handle it differently through payroll.
Talk to a tax professional to ensure everything is claimed correctly.
Your specific situation affects the medical insurance deduction self-employed workers can claim, potentially saving thousands annually.
Special Coverage Considerations for Texas Self-Employed Professionals
Texas has unique insurance market features you should understand.
Different carriers work better in different parts of Texas. In major cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, you’ll find all five carriers with good networks. Rural areas might have fewer choices.
Texas doesn’t have state income tax, great news! But your federal self-employed health insurance deduction still saves you money on federal taxes.
Look for brokers who know the Texas market. They understand which carriers work best in your area and can help you avoid plans with limited networks where you live.
Experienced Texas brokerages, particularly those with 20+ years serving the state and hundreds of verified customer reviews, know which plans deliver the best value in your county.
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan for Your Business
Follow this simple process to pick the right plan.
Step-by-Step Selection Process
- Review your healthcare needs and budget: How often do you visit doctors? Do you take medications? What can you afford monthly?
- List your doctors and hospitals: Write down providers you want to keep seeing. Check which carriers include them in their networks.
- Compare coverage options: Review health insurance plans for self-employed professionals and choose from all five carriers.
- Evaluate deductible vs premium trade-offs: Lower monthly payments might mean higher costs when you use healthcare. Find the right balance.
- Consult a licensed broker: Get expert advice on which plan fits best. Brokers explain details and help you avoid mistakes.
Questions to Ask Your Health Insurance Broker
- Which carriers have my doctors in-network?
- What’s my real out-of-pocket maximum if something serious happens?
- Can I switch plans if my needs change?
- What happens if I need coverage in another state?
- What insurance should a self-employed person have beyond health?
Why Work with a Licensed Broker
Brokers don’t cost you extra; carriers pay their commissions. You get expert help for free.
A good broker gives you unbiased comparisons across multiple carriers. They can quickly match you with the right plan because they’ve helped thousands of clients in similar situations.
When claims issues arise, your broker helps you deal with the insurance company. That support matters when you need it most.
Finding a Broker You Can Trust
Look for these trust signals:
Years in business: Brokerages operating 15+ years have proven value. Many new agencies disappear quickly.
Verified customer reviews: Check Trustpilot, Birdeye, Google, and BBB ratings. Look for 300+ reviews averaging 4.5+ stars.
BBB accreditation: An A+ BBB rating maintained for 10+ years shows consistent ethical practices.
Specialization: Brokers specializing in self-employed professionals and small businesses understand your unique needs.
Educational approach: Good brokers educate you about options rather than pushing a single solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is self-employed health insurance worth it?
Yes. One hospital stay can cost $30,000+ without insurance, potentially wiping out your business savings.
Beyond money, health insurance gives you peace of mind. You can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about health emergencies.
Don’t forget tax benefits. The self-employed health insurance deduction significantly offsets your coverage costs.
What’s the difference between marketplace and private health insurance?
Main differences are enrollment flexibility and broker support.
Marketplace plans only allow enrollment during open enrollment periods. Private plans let you enroll anytime.
With marketplace plans, you figure everything out on your own. With private plans, you get expert broker help at no extra cost.
Both can be ACA-compliant. Private plans often give you more carrier options and better networks.
Can I get health insurance as a self-employed person in Texas?
Absolutely. Texas has excellent self-employed health insurance options.
All five carriers mentioned in this guide offer coverage in Texas, though availability varies by county. Working with brokers who specialize in the Texas market helps you find the best plans for your region.
Do I qualify for subsidies with private health insurance?
No. Private plans bought through brokers don’t qualify for ACA subsidies. Only marketplace plans qualify for premium tax credits.
However, the tax deduction for self-employed people often saves you more money than subsidies would. Plus, you get broker support and more flexibility.
Compare the math for your situation. Sometimes, paying full price for a private plan with the tax deduction is better than a subsidized marketplace plan.
What kind of insurance does a self-employed person need beyond health?
Health insurance is just one piece. You might also need:
- Disability insurance to replace income if you can’t work
- Liability insurance to protect your business
- Life insurance to protect your family
Talk to an insurance professional about your complete protection needs.
How does self-employment affect health insurance?
When you leave a job with benefits, you lose employer coverage. You’re now responsible for finding and paying for your own health insurance.
The good news? Private market plans give you more control and flexibility than employer coverage. You pick exactly what you want.
The tax deduction helps significantly. Employees can’t deduct health insurance premiums. Self-employed people can deduct 100% of premiums.
Conclusion
Finding the best health insurance for self-employed professionals is straightforward when you understand your options.
You have access to the best health insurance for self-employed professionals through top carriers. Private health insurance gives you year-round enrollment, broker support, and more flexibility than marketplace plans.
The self-employed health insurance tax deduction makes coverage more affordable than it appears at first.
Start by comparing your options across all five carriers. Consider your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred doctors. Then talk to a licensed broker who can guide you to the right plan.
Don’t wait for a health emergency. Protect yourself and your business with the right health insurance today.
Remember: the best plan fits your specific needs and budget. Take time to compare options and get expert guidance. The right health insurance protects your health, your finances, and your